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Monday, November 30, 2015

Vancouver, B.C. - The Vancouver Giants announced on Monday that the hockey club has acquired 1997-born forward Johnny Wesley from the Lethbridge Hurricanes in exchange for an eighth round pick in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft. The Giants have also reassigned 1999-born forward James Malm to the Valley West Hawks of the BC Major Midget League and released 1997-born forward Haydn Hopkins.

“We’re excited to add Johnny back to our group,” said Giants Executive Vice President and General Manager Scott Bonner. “He’s a player who has good offensive upside that we think will fit in great with our group. We would also like to thank Haydn for his time with the club and wish him all the best in the future.”

Wesley, a White Rock native, began his WHL career with the Giants, scoring in his only game in a Vancouver uniform before being traded to Lethbridge prior to the trade deadline last season. In 31 games with the Hurricanes in 2014/15, Wesley scored five goals and five assists. This season, the 18-year-old has 11 goals and 10 assists in 21 games with the Surrey Eagles of the BCHL.

EVERETT, Wash. – The Everett Silvertips (@WHLSilvertips), defending U.S. Division champions of the Western Hockey League, and general manager Garry Davidson announced today that the team has acquired 1996-born defenseman Brycen Martin a conditional third round selection, and a conditional sixth round selection in the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft from the Saskatoon Blades in exchange for defenseman Jantzen Leslie, the rights to prospect left wing Ryan Anderson, and a second round selection in the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft.

"Brycen is a dynamic offensive talent we couldn't pass on, and upgrades our hockey club," said Davidson. "He provides a key piece for immediate on-ice success with his ability to control and distribute the puck. This was a deal that made a ton of sense based on our depth and a key piece that helps us be an immediate contender in the Western Hockey League.”

Davidson continued, “Jantzen handled himself with class and character during his time with the Silvertips, and we wish him the best."

Martin, who turns 20 on May 9, 2016, is expected to report to Everett and will wear jersey #4. He brings 24 points (3g-21a) and +5 rating in 25 games to the Silvertips blueline, currently tied for sixth in league scoring among defensemen and second among WHL defensemen in assists (21). As an alternate captain, his six power-play assists led Saskatoon and seven power-play points were tied for second on the Blades.

The 6-foot-2, 202 pound defenseman was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the third round (74th overall) of the 2014 National Hockey League Entry Draft, attended his first training camp with Buffalo last season and made his professional debut at the end of the season with the Rochester Americans, skating in two games with the Sabres’ American Hockey League affiliate.

He joins Noah Juulsen (Montreal, first round in 2015) as two Silvertips players drafted by NHL clubs.

In 236 career WHL games with Saskatoon and Swift Current, Martin has 118 points (18g-100a) and 133 penalty minutes while adding a pair of assists in 11 career postseason games. He skated for Canada Pacific at the Under-17 World Hockey Challenge in 2012-13, leading the tournament’s defensemen with nine points (2g-5a) in five games.

Leslie, 16, leaves the Silvertips with ten career games of WHL experience, carrying three assists while adding an assist in six postseason games. The 1999-born defenseman was selected by the Silvertips in the first round (15th overall) of the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft.

Anderson, 16, was selected by the Silvertips in the fifth round (103rd overall) of the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft and the 1999-born forward was tied for third in scoring last season with the South Side Athletic Club of the Alberta Midget Hockey League, collecting 23 points (10g-13a) in 32 games.

Calgary, AB - The Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club today announced they have acquired 18-year-old goaltender Nik Amundrud from the Saskatoon Blades in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft.

“With the current injury to Kyle Dumba we felt it necessary to acquire another goaltender to provide depth at this position," said Hitmen General Manager and Vice President of Business Operations Mike Moore. “We look forward to welcoming Nik to Calgary.”

The Hitmen, 16-10-1-1, tied for second place in the WHL’s Central Division with the Hurricanes will travel to Lethbridge on Wednesday to face the ‘Canes in their first meeting of the season (Sportsnet 960-The Fan).

Calgary then returns home on Thursday, Dec. 3 to welcome the Prince Albert Raiders to the Scotiabank Saddledome. Game time is 7:00 p.m.

Individual Hitmen game tickets are available at Ticketmaster locations and the Scotiabank Saddledome box office. Order online at HitmenHockey.com or by phone at 1-855-985-5000. For more ticket information, contact customer service at 403-777-4646.

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Prince Albert, SK – The Prince Albert Raiders announced Sunday that the club has acquired forward Kolten Olynek from the Spokane Chiefs in exchange for a conditional ninth round draft pick in 2017.

Olynek, a native of Saskatoon, SK is in his third full season in the Western Hockey League. In 23 games with the Chiefs this year, Olynek compiled two goals and two assists for four points. The 19-year-old has played 140 WHL regular season games, split between the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Moose Jaw Warriors, and Spokane, and has 11 goals and 20 assists for 31 points.

“Kolten gives us added speed and some veteran depth up front,” said Raiders general manager Curtis Hunt. “We are excited to get him acclimated right away.”

The five-foot-ten, 170-pound winger was originally selected by the Hurricanes in the second round, 26th overall, in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft. Prior to playing in the WHL, Olynek was part of back-to-back appearances in the Telus Cup with the Saskatoon Contacts in 2012 and 2013. During his time with the Contacts, Olynek was teammates with current Raiders Reid Gardiner, Austin Glover, and Rylan Parenteau.

The Raiders are back on the road next week as they begin a four-game stretch in Alberta, starting with a match-up against the Calgary Hitmen on Thursday, December 3. The team returns to the Art Hauser Centre on Saturday, December 12 when they host the Kamloops Blazers for Canadian Tire Teddy Bear Toss Night. For ticket information, visit raiderhockey.com or call 764-GAME.

The Portland Winterhawks have acquired a seventh round pick in the 2016 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft in exchange for Austin Gray and the rights to Reed Morison.

Gray appeared in two games for the Hawks this season, and had one assist in five games with Portland in 2014-15. Morison played in a total of seven games with the Winterhawks in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons. He currently plays for the Calgary Canucks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

“We’d like to thank Austin and Reed, and we wish them well as they continue their careers with the Kootenay Ice’s organization,” said Portland Winterhawks General Manager & Head Coach Jamie Kompon.

Premier membership season tickets for the 2015-16 season are on sale now and start at only $42 per month and include playoffs. Visit winterhawks.com or call 503-236-HAWK to reserve the best seat locations.

Saturday, November 28, 2015

The Regina Pats were in Red Deer on Saturday night for the third meeting in 15 days with the Rebels. The Pats had won the first two meetings of the season by 8-5 and 3-2 scores. Regina was coming off a 4-3 overtime win in Calgary on Friday night where Jake Leschyshyn scored his first career hattrick and the Pats snapped a 7 game losing streak at the Scotiabank Saddledome. The Rebels meanwhile brought a 2 game winning streak into Friday including a 6-4 win in Medicine Hat on Friday night. It was the 4th game in 5 days for both the Pats and the Rebels on Saturday. The Pats were without forward Austin Wagner in this one as he was dealing with an undisclosed injury. Here are the lineups for the game with the starters highlighted.

In the first period the Rebels had all the early pressure and picked up three straight powerplays. The Pats penalty kill came up big however and killed them all off. Thanks in big part to the play of Tyler Brown who was fantastic in the opening frame. After the Pats got back to full strength they started to find their feet and picked up their first man advantage. Set up in the zone a pass intended for Connor Hobbs was poked away by Jef de Wit and he skated on a shorthanded breakaway. He fanned on his initial shot, got the puck back and then buried into the top of the net for his 4th of the year at 16:09 and it was 1-0 Rebels. That's how the period ended with the Rebels leading on the shot clock 17-4.

In the second the Pats penalty troubles continued and at 5:42 the Rebels made it 2-0. Connor Bleackey fired from the slot which was stopped by the right pad of Tyler Brown but the rebound was put into his own net by Sergey Zborovskiy. Ivan Nikolishin and Michael Spacek the assists. The Pats took 4 total penalties in the period and 1:35 of the 4th carried over into the 3rd. The penalty kill looked really sharp but they spent almost the entire period in their own zone. The Rebels outshot Regina 9-6 in the period and led 26-9 overall.

In the third the Pats killed off that remaining powerplay time and then took their 8th and 9th minors of the game but again escaped unscathed. Regina then got a 4 minute powerplay and at 13:56 Lane Zablocki scored on a rebound for his 6th from Connor Hobbs and Chase Harrison to make it a 2-1 game. That's as close as they came and the Rebles took the two points. Red Deer outshot Regina 13-10 in the period and 39-19 overall.

The Pats powerplay was 1 for 3 and the penalty kill was 8 for 9.

The games third star went to the Rebels Rylan Toth who made 18 saves. The second star to Red Deers Jeff de Wit who scored shorthanded and the first star to the Pats Tyler Brown who stopped 37 of 39 shots faced.

The Pats are back in action on Wednesday in Saskatoon against the Blades at 7 o'clock on 620 CKRM.

The Regina Pats (12-10-2-0)
are in Red Deer tonight for their 3rd meeting in 15 days with the
Rebels (18-8-0-0). It’s the third meeting of the season between the two clubs,
the Pats have won their first two by 8-5 and 3-2 scores. Puck drop is at 8
o’clock with the pre-game at 7:35 on 620 CKRM.

Team
Comparison

Regina

Red Deer

Record

12-10-2-0

18-8-0-0

Goals
For/Against

73/85 (-12)

104/73 (+31)

Powerplay

13.5% (15/111)

24.8 % (27/109)

Penalty Kill

73.6% (81/110)

79.0% (83/105)

Team Save
Percentage

0.905

0.906

Leading Scorer

Adam Brooks (12-19-31)

Ivan Nikolishin (17-22-39)

Leading Scorer
(Defence)

Chase Harrison (3-10-13)

Haydn Fleury (7-11-18)

Scoring by Period (1st-2nd-3rd-OT)

21-24-24-4

26-35-34-1

Average Age

17.79 yrs

18.29 yrs

The Lead UpThe Regina Pats snapped
a 7 game losing streak in Calgary on Friday night with a 4-3 overtime win over
the Hitmen. Jake Leschshyn scored three times including the game winner. Jordan
Hollett made 29 saves for the victory as the Pats picked up their 12th win of the season.

The Red Deer Rebels won their second straight game
on Friday night with a 6-5 decision in Medicine Hat over the Tigers. Brandon
Hagel led the way with a goal and two assists while Ivan Nikolishin added a
couple of helpers. The Rebel powerplay was 2 for 6 in the game.

Leschyshyn
with a Career Night

16-year-old rookie Jake Leschyshyn had a night to
remember in Calgary on Friday. Jake scored in the 1st and in the 3rd periods plus added the overtime winner at the 3:01 mark. Leschyshyn had 2 goals
going into the game and is now up to 5 on the year. It was his first career WHL hattrick.

Hollett
Solid

Pats rookie goaltender Jordan Hollett made 29 saves
for his second victory in 3 starts since joining the club. Hollett has yet to
lose in regulation, his only loss coming in OT in Prince Albert. Jordan has
also made two relief appearances so far this season.

Pats lead
Season Series

The Pats
have had the Rebels number so far this season in the teams first two matchups.
First Regina won on home ice 8-5 and then won in Red Deer on Tuesday 3-2. Adam
Brooks leads the way with a goal and 4 assists in the two games. Chase Harrison
and Sam Steel each have four points in those wins. Tyler Brown was the
difference in the Pats second win over the Rebels making 33 saves for a .943
save percentage.

Friday, November 27, 2015

The Regina Pats were in Calgary on Friday night looking to snap a 7 game losing streak at the Scotiabank Saddledome. The Pats were coming off a 6-4 loss in Edmonton on Wednesday where Adam Brooks had a four point nigh but it wasn't enough. The Hitmen meanwhile beat the Saskatoon Blades 4-2 on Wednesday for their 7th consecutive victory. They held a 2-0-0-0 record against the Pats going into Friday night. Here are the lineups for the game with the starters highlighted.

In the first period it was a tight checking game to start. The Pats got the games first powerplay but did not score but did get the opening marker at 16:30. Jake Leschsyhsyn took a loose puck in the left circle and buried his 3rd from Connor Hobbs and Taylor Cooper and it was 1-0. The Hitmen tied it up 11 seconds later when Jakub Stukel split the defence, made a nice move and finished on the back hand for his 12th from Loch Morrison and Radel Fazleev at 16:41 and it was 1-1. The Hitmen got their first powerplay with 1:25 left but the Pats killed that time and it was 1-1 after 1. The Pats led on the shot clock 8-7.

In the second the Pats killed off the remaining powerplay time and the game went back and forth with zone time and chances. The Pats got their second powerplay of the game just over halfway through the frame and at 13:11 took the lead. Colton Kroeker tipped in his 4th of the season with assists to Sergey Zborovskiy and Taylor Cooper and it was 2-1. The Pats got another powerplay after that but 1:12 into it took a minor of their own. 4 on 4 the Pats almost made it 3-1 on a great move and shot by Jake Leschyshyn but it was stopped and then Sergey Zbrovoskiy followed on the rebound but was stopped as well. 2 seconds later the Hitmen went to their abbreviated powerplay and tied the game. Jakub Stukel potted his second of the night and it was 2-2. Radel Fazleev and Travis Sanheim the assists at 17:35. The period ended at 2-2 with the Pats outshooting Calgary 11-9 in the period and 19-16 overall.

In the third the Pats got the go ahead goal at 15:05 thanks to Jake Leschyshyn from Adam Berg and Austin Wagner and it was 3-2. The Hitmen pulled Porter for the extra attacker and with 14.2 seconds left tied the game. Travis Sanheim with his 7th from Layne Bensmiller at 19:46 and it was 3-3 forcing overtime. The Hitmen outshot the Pats 16-14 in the period but the Pats led overall 33-32.

In OT the Pats got a poweprlay but did not score but moments after Jake Leschyshyn copmpleted his hattrick for the game winner at 3:01. Sergey Zborovskiy the lone assist and the Pats snapped a 7 game losing streak in Calgary, 4-3 the final.

The Pats poweprlay was 1 for 5 in the game and the penalty kill was 1 for 2.

The Pats play their 4th game in 5 days on Saturday in Red Deer against the Rebels at 8 o'clock on 620 CKRM.

The Regina Pats (11-10-2-0)
are in Calgary tonight looking for a bounce back effort against the Hitmen
(16-10-0-1). It’s the third meeting of the season between the two clubs, the Hitmen
are two and oh against Regina this season with wins in Regina and Calgary. Puck drop is at
8 o’clock with the pre-game at 7:35 on 620 CKRM.

Team
Comparison

Regina

Calgary

Record

11-10-2-0

16-10-0-1

Goals
For/Against

69/82 (-13)

83/83 (0)

Powerplay

13.2% (14/106)

20.2 % (26/129)

Penalty Kill

74.1% (80/108)

83.9% (104/124)

Team Save
Percentage

0.905

0.889

Leading Scorer

Adam Brooks (12-19-31)

Radel Fazleev (13-20-33)

Leading Scorer
(Defence)

Chase Harrison (3-10-13)

Jake Bean (11-12-23)

Scoring by Period (1st-2nd-3rd-OT)

20-23-23-3

21-27-34-0

Average Age

17.79 yrs

17.84 yrs

The Lead UpThe Regina Pats dropped
a 6-4 decision in Edmonton on Wednesday to the Oil Kings. Adam Brooks scored a
goal and added 3 assists in the loss. Connor Hobbs had two goals as well.

The Calgary Hitmen won their 7th straight
game on Wednesday in Saskatoon, 4-2 over the Blades. Radel Fazleev and Tyler
Mrkonjic each scored and had an assist in the victory.

Brooks
on Fire

Adam Brooks continues his torrid pace in his
19-year-old season. The Winnipeg product had another 4 point night in Edmonton
on Wednesday, his 3rd game this season with 4 points. Brooks is up
to 31 on the year which is tied for 9th in the league.

Steel
Streaking

Pats forward Sam Steel is on a season high 5 game
point streak heading into Friday night. Steel has recorded a goal and 5 assists
over that stretch. He is ranked an A skater by Central Scouting as a projected
1st round NHL draft pick for 2016.

Hitmen
Dominant at Home

The
Scotiabank Saddledome has been a tough building for Regina over the last four
years. The Pats have dropped 7 in a row in Calgary, their last win came
December 16th 2011. Matt Hewitt stopped 32 pucks and Matt Marantz scored
the game winner in a 3-2 victory. In the 2011-12 season the Pats won both times
in Calgary.

QCSE to Select Team Sask

Queen City Sports & Entertainment Group (QCSEG) through the
Regina Pats have acquired the rights to select Team Saskatchewan for the annual
Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament (BIHT). The BIHT is a unique
international tournament geared to players in the super novice category; nine
and ten years old. It features teams from across North America and is
played at the West Edmonton Mall’s hockey rink in Edmonton,
Alberta. Junior Pats
Manager Chad Lang will oversee the Team Saskatchewan BITH program on behalf of
the Regina Pats. In addition, Todd Ripplinger remains with the program as a
Director and tournament liaison.

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Cranbrook, BC -- Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club today announced the Club has acquired18-year-old ForwardJohnny Wesley from the Lethbridge Hurricanes in exchange for a 7th round pick in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft.

"With the number of players currently sidelined with injuries, it was crucial that we add some healthy bodies to our lineup. Johnny adds WHL experience and potential to our lineup and will get an opportunity to make an impact right away," added Chynoweth.

JohnnyWesley has spent the 2015-16 season as captain of the Surrey Eagles of the BCHL, where he recorded a team-leading 20 points (11-9-20) in 18 games played.

Including long-term injuries, the ICE are now carrying 25players (two Goaltenders, nine Defensemen and 14 Forwards).

Regina, Saskatchewan – Queen City Sports & Entertainment Group (QCSEG) through the Regina Pats have acquired the rights to select Team Saskatchewan for the annual Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament (BIHT).

The BIHT is a unique international tournament geared to players in the super novice category; nine and ten years old. It features teams from across North America and is played at the West Edmonton Mall’s hockey rink in Edmonton, Alberta.

“Our organization is committed to the development of hockey players at all levels throughout Saskatchewan,” said Regina Pats Governor Anthony Marquart. “The Brick is one of the preeminent hockey tournaments in North America and the calibre of competition is second to none. Saskatchewan is a hotbed of hockey talent and this event is a great place to showcase the next generation of stars.”

2016 will mark the 27th year for the BIHT which is a world renowned summer tournament that runs from July 4-10 and is the creation of Brick Furniture Warehouse owner Bill Comrie. This past summer the Team Saskatchewan Junior Pats battled their way to the final, losing in a hard fought game to the Toronto Bulldogs 4-2. Team Saskatchewan has made it to the final three times in the past six years.

Alumni of the tournament include current NHL stars P.K. Subban, Steven Stamkos, Tyler Seguin and Pats alumni Jordan Eberle to name a few. As well, current Regina Pat Sam Steel is an alumni of the Brick.

“There will be a formal process for selecting the team that will be announced in the coming weeks,” said Marquart. “We are looking for the best players Saskatchewan has to offer and as such our search will be provincial in scope.

Junior Pats Manager Chad Lang will oversee the Team Saskatchewan BITH program on behalf of the Regina Pats. In addition, Todd Ripplinger remains with the program as a Director and tournament liaison.

About the Regina PatsNamed for the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, the Western Hockey League’s Regina Pats are the oldest major junior hockey franchise in the world operating from its original location. Since their founding in 1917, the Pats have won three Memorial Cup championships and compete in the WHL’s Eastern Division. To learn more about the Pats, call 306-337-1535 or visit www.reginapats.com.

SWIFT CURRENT SK–The Swift Current Broncos have traded 1996 born defenceman Jordan Thomson to the Brandon Wheat Kings. In return, 1997 born d-man Mark Taraschuk comes to Swift Current.

Thomson was acquired last season from Saskatoon along with a 2016 1st round bantam draft pick in a trade deadline deal for Brycen Martin. In 55 games as a Bronco, Thomson had 6 goals, 8 assists and 49 penalty minutes. Thomson was selected 4th overall in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft by the Kamloops Blazers. Brandon will be Thomson’s 4th WHL team.

Mark Taraschuk is a 6’ 192 pound defenceman from Winnipeg. In 50- games over 2 seasons with the Wheat Kings he has 10 assists and 16 penalty minutes. Brandon selected Taraschuk in the 6th round of the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.

“His style is weighted to the defensive side of the game,” said Broncos coach/GM Mark Lamb of Taraschuk.

“That’s what we need to help us close out games” added Lamb.

Tarashcuk and the Broncos are preparing for two games this weekend. The Broncos host The Saskatoon Blades Friday night. The annual Teddy Bear toss game is Saturday vs. Price Albert.